Delhi gang rape suspects 'tortured to force confession'

A lawyer for one of the five men charged with the abduction, rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi says suspects have been tortured and coerced into admitting the crime.

Manohar Lal Sharma said his client Mukesh Singh was tortured for 10 days.

Amid heavy security, all five appeared in court for a second time, before the case was adjourned until Monday.

The court ruled the charge-sheet needed more scrutiny. No decision was taken on moving the case to a fast-track trial.

The case has shocked India and prompted a debate about the treatment of women. If convicted, the five men charged face the death penalty.

A sixth suspect, who is thought to be 17, will be tried separately in a youth court if it is confirmed he is a minor.

Evidence 'manipulated'

Analysis

By Rajini VaidyanathanBBC News, Delhi

The accused arrived in court today under police guard, but proceedings were held behind closed doors. Despite appeals to magistrates, it was decided that all hearings would now take place in private, after chaotic scenes in the courtroom earlier this week.

But outside Saket District court there was plenty of activity, as lawyers representing the accused spoke to journalists. Earlier this week the local bar association refused to provide legal representation - today, the five men have lawyers.

One of them told reporters his client had been tortured into making a confession, an unexpected twist in a case which has already gripped India, before even making it to trial.

Delhi police say they can't comment on active legal proceedings. The next hearing is set for January 14th, but a date for the case to reach the fast track court has yet to be set.

On Thursday, defence lawyers were selected for the five suspects - but they have the right to change lawyers if they wish. They will enter their pleas once a formal trial begins.

Manohar Lal Sharma, who was selected to represent Mukesh Singh, 22, had said his client was forced to confess and would plead not guilty.

"He was coerced into admission," said Mr Sharma outside the court on Thursday morning before the hearing. "He's unable to speak now.

"All these people have been tortured badly. It's under pressure that they have made statements in court," he added.

Sunil Gupta, a spokesman for Tihar Jail where the suspects are being held, told the BBC all the accused were being kept in different sections of the jail "and their safety is guaranteed".

Earlier, Mr Sharma said he would also represent two other suspects - but they are now being represented by other lawyers.

At least one other suspect, Pawan Gupta, plans to plead not guilty too, his lawyer confirmed. It is unclear how the other three suspects will plead.

Prosecutors have said they have extensive forensic evidence.

Chaotic scenes

India's fast-track courts

Some 1,200 fast-track courts are operating in India as of March 2012

In Delhi, six fast-track courts are to be set up for the trial of cases related to crimes against women, especially rape. Some other states such as Punjab and Maharashtra are also setting up fast-track courts for this purpose

In 2000, central government started a scheme for more than 1,700 fast-track courts to try to clear the backlog of cases clogging up the Indian judicial system, partly related to a shortage of judges

Funding is an issue because the central government said it could no longer fund them after March 2011, leaving future funding decisions to individual states.